"Reaching the World, Three Children at a Time"

I can't believe it has been a year since we shared with you about God's leading to adopt Ben, Jenna, and Lindsay. They have changed so much, inside and out...but I think Mike and I have changed even more. I never imagined the emotional toll these three would have on my heart, which I've always worn on my sleeve. I find myself (daily) crying out to the Lord for understanding, to remind me of who I am in Him, and to reassure me once again, that He called us to do this incredibly frustrating, wonderful, overwhelming, life-changing thing called adoption.

We moved off of CLM campus last month so that Ben, Jenna, and Lindsay could have a fresh start. We anticipated that the transition (new house, new school, new church, new friends) would be a challenge for them but we underestimated how it would affect us. Living with and loving 30+ other children as your own for 3 years and then realizing God wants you to focus on only three of them has been difficult. This past year, Mariane, Maria Luiza, Caroline, Carolaine, Donei, Luana, Geovane, Patricia, and Romulo also said goodbye to CLM, each leaving a void in our lives, as well as in the lives of the other children and missionaries. We pray and trust in God's best for each one but there is still an emptiness that remains. Although we have been back to visit CLM, we recognize that our kids need to know that they are our priority. We have invited their two best friends from CLM, Lucas and Maria Joana as our first weekend visitors in our new home. Pray for us to know how to navigate future contact with the orphanage and how it affects our kids and their bonding with us.

Each day, Mike and I find ourselves planning the next strategic step in addressing the special needs of each of our children. They each have developmental gaps in varying degrees, and for this season, our primary goal is to provide a predictable, consistent, and safe environment for them. Next month, the adoption will (FINALLY!)be finalized and we are excited to begin an official countdown of Ben, Jenna, and Lindsay's two-year journey to become American citizens! Although we are hoping to get them back sooner to meet family and friends, it has been confirmed because of our unique situation, we need to live here for two years before they can legally enter the U.S. without tourist visas. It isn't what I would have planned...but I'm believing that it is best for each of them and that God will use this time to bond us together as a family.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and financial support. When we started down this path four years ago, God laid on our hearts a phrase for our mission, "Reaching the World, One Child at a Time." We never imagined the road would lead us to inviting three of those children into our home. Your support, more than ever before, is truly touching the lives of Ben, Jenna, and Lindsay. We praise God for each of you and all that you have done to make this possible.

Blessings!